The decision of the European Council also imposed sanctions on Russian aviation and the financial system.
The European Council on Monday, February 28, agreed on a new set of measures by which the European Union is trying to contain the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the subsequent escalation of the conflict.
This is stated in a press release published on the official website of the European Council.
The report noted that this decision was agreed in close coordination with partners and allies of the EU.
“The Council has taken measures regarding assistance within the framework of the European Peace Fund (EPF), which will contribute to strengthening the capacity and resilience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, as well as to protect the civilian population from ongoing military aggression,” the press release said.
First, Ukraine will receive assistance totaling 500 million euros to provide for the Ukrainian army, in particular, for the acquisition of lethal weapons.
“This is the first time in history that the EU will provide a lethal weapon to a third country. We are doing our best to support Ukraine, we are on the side of the Ukrainian people,” said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Secondly, the Council adopted strict restrictive measures related to aviation and finances of the Russian Federation.
EU Member States will deny permission to land, take off or overfly their territories to any aircraft operated by Russian air carriers, both marketing carriers and any Russian registered aircraft or non-Russian registered aircraft owned or chartered or controlled by a Russian entity or individual .
In addition, it is prohibited to make transactions with the Central Bank of Russia or any legal entity or body acting on behalf of or at the direction of the Central Bank of Russia.
The European Union also condemned the involvement of Belarus in the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
The EU demands that Russia immediately cease hostilities, unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment throughout Ukraine, and respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
The European Council calls on Russia and Russian-backed militias to respect international humanitarian law and stop their campaign of disinformation and cyberattacks.
“The use of force and coercion to change borders should not take place in the 21st century. Tensions and conflicts should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy,” the document says.
EU Member States also reaffirmed their strong support and commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova.
Recall that Germany allowed the Netherlands to send Ukraine 400 multiple launch rocket systems to help fight the Russian invaders. This means a sharp shift in Berlin's military policy against the backdrop of pressure from allies with the EU and NATO.
Losses of Russians fighting against Ukraine:
According to the tentative data of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from the morning of February 24 to 6:00 on February 28, the troops of the invading country of Russia suffered the following losses:
